Packaging Tips
Please note that the below tips are generic guidelines only and are not intended to be solely relied upon. Each individual using our products is expected to take reasonable care appropriate to their own circumstances. Melbourne Cardboard Box Hire will not accept responsibility for any damage or injury caused to individuals when packing or moving.
1) Start early – ensure you have plenty of packing boxes, packing tape, butchers paper and bubble wrap.
2) Pack one room at a time, and if possible, start with items that are least often used.
3) Write down a list of everything you are packing (especially to keep track of valuables) and take note of which items are in each packing box.
4) Use sturdy packing boxes and tape the bottom of the box securely so that it does not give way. Do not interlock the flaps. Most removalists recommend folding the 2 smaller flaps over first, followed by the longer flaps (whose edges should meet) and then taping at least once along the seam with quality packing tape (48mm wide). For extra security tape twice across the seam at the bottom of the box.
5) Carefully wrap breakable items (ie plates, glassware, etc) with butchers paper ensuring that there is plenty of padding and no empty spaces within the cardboard packing box (to prevent items moving around and breaking).
6) Ensure all jars and containers are closed securely and are packed in to cardboard boxes upright – to prevent leakages.
7) Never pack a moving box so heavy that you cannot lift it safely – otherwise you risk injury or damage to your items if the box tears or splits. Spread the heavy items (ie books) over a few smaller boxes. Balance boxes with lighter items but pack the heavier items at the bottom of the moving box.
8) Leave around 1 inch empty at the top of each moving box and fill with scrunched newspaper to act as padding.
9) Seal the top of the cardboard box with packing tape.
10) Use bubble wrap and / or butchers paper when packing fragile items (newspaper can leave an ink stain on your valuables). Packing boxes should be labeled "Fragile” and "This Side Up” to prevent mishandling. Also clearly label which room each packing box belongs to.
11) Pack a separate cardboard box of essentials you may need for the first night at your new house (ie toiletries, toilet paper, snacks and a change of clothes, etc) in case you cannot unpack everything in time.
12) When opening and disassembling your used packing boxes, ensure you leave the tape on the boxes and simply cut the tape along the seams. Do not tear the tape off the boxes as this will damage the cardboard boxes.